Mekelakeya
- Alias
- Defence Force
- Leagues Played
- Ethiopia Premier League 177 Ethiopia Cup 12 CAF Confederations Cup 2
- Links
- Website YouTube Wikipedia
Mekelakeya v
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Wikipedia - Defence Force S.C.
Mechal Sport Club (Amharic: መከላከያ Mekelakeya), officially known as Defence Force Sport Club, is an Ethiopian professional football club based in the city of Addis Ababa. They play in the Betking Ethiopian Premier League, the first division of professional football in Ethiopia. The team, formerly named Army SC and Mechal SC, is the second most decorated club in Ethiopian football history behind Saint George.
History
Mekelakeya is historically the second most successful club in Ethiopian football history with 11 top division titles, with the most recent coming in 1989. Their dominance in the early years of Ethiopian football was cemented with six titles in the span of eight years from 1949 to 1956. After relative dormancy in the 1960s and 1970s, the club returned to its dominant ways in the 1980s by winning four titles. The club also has enjoyed success in the Ethiopian Cup, winning it 13 times. Defense beat Hawassa City 2–0 to win the 2015 Ethiopian Cup for a record 13th time and for the second time in three years.
Defense entered the 2017 CAF Confederation Cup as the runners-up in the 2016 Ethiopian Cup. They were knocked out of the tournament by Cameroonian side Yong Sports Academy 2–1 on aggregate in the preliminary round. On April 30, 2018, the club was involved in a match where they were awarded a goal that their opponents, Welwalo Adigrat University, disputed. An altercation followed that ultimately led to a member of the Welwalo coaching staff physically attacking the referee. In April 2021, the club was promoted back into the Ethiopian Premier League after a successful campaign in the second division.
The team's colors are traditionally blue and white, symbolizing unity and strength. Mekelakeya has a reputation for nurturing local talent and has produced several players who have gone on to represent the national team. The club's home matches are played at the Addis Ababa Stadium, where fans gather to support their team with fervor and enthusiasm.
Mekelakeya's success on the field is complemented by its commitment to community engagement and youth development, making it a cornerstone of Ethiopian football culture. With a legacy of triumphs, including multiple league titles and cup victories, Mekelakeya continues to strive for excellence, aiming to bring glory to its supporters and the nation.